Newcastle vs Chelsea LIVE: Latest score and updates as visitors seek second half fightback

A bit of pressure builds on the hosts and the visiting fans lift the noise. Nick Pope’s punch falls at the feet of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Lewis Hall has to hurry to block with his goalkeeper out of action. Pope is back on his feet to prevent a corner and, at the cost of a yellow card, the taking of a quick throw-in having been left stranded far from goal.

A bit of argy-bargy as the Chelsea players ire after a pretty poor challenge from Anthony Gordon. The forward had lost control of the ball and rather cleaned out Marc Cucurella, who is backed up by his teammates. Joelinton takes three of them on before re-assessing the odds as referee Chris Kavanagh calms affairs with a quiet word or two.

This is a corking contest. Lloyd Kelly makes a last-ditch block as Christopher Nkunku fires from the penalty spot, and Newcastle counter with pace and intent. Lewis Hall tests Filip Jorgensen with a skidding shot that the Chelsea goalkeeper is equal to.

Bold! Filip Jorgensen’s footwork has been as clumsy as a Strictly contestant bound for an early exit tonight, but that’s rather fancier, spinning on a sixpence away from Anthony Gordon with a delicate Cruyff turn.

Fabian Schar advances and advances, happy to eat up the space on offer through the heart of the Chelsea midfield. Having reached a promising area, the centre back should do much better with his eventual pass, under-weighting it to Anthony Gordon and affording Marc Cucurella a chance to cut it out.

Back underway at St James’ Park.

A lively Wednesday night in the Toon and one that the home fans are rather enjoying. There have been chances aplenty at both ends but it is the hosts in control thanks to two goals in quick succession, Alexander Isak pouncing on a Chelsea error before Axel Disasi turned into his own net. Still plenty of time for Enzo Maresca’s men to instigate a turnaround, and Joao Felix is looking bright, but Eddie Howe went down the tunnel with a smile after his side found some long-awaited attacking fluency.

Newcastle have the half’s last chance. Anthony Gordon racing away from Benoit Badiashile but putting too much mustard on his cross. Joe Willock manages to get a leg on it but has little hope of controlling his finish, which ends up in the rafters.

Sean Longstaff backtracks well to cut out an Axel Disasi pass bound for Christopher Nkunku. The midfielder then cannily uses Disasi’s toe to convert a corner into a goal kick.